Abstract: A method which enables an optical element having a large refractive index difference and a stabilized refractive index distribution to be produced in a short time. When a gel prepared by a sol-gel method is immersed in a solution containing at least one substance selected from the group consisting of an organic solvent, water, an acid, and an alkali, or in a solution having a metal salt dissolved in the at least one substance selected from the above group, a component eluted into the solution from the gel and/or a foreign substance which is produced or mixed in the solution during the solution immersing step is removed, and a component diffused into the gel from the solution is supplemented to the solution.

Abstract: A plunger mechanism has a plunger canister module to be mounted on the top wall of a section frame of an I.S. machine. The module includes one, two, three or four plunger canisters each having a vertically extending cylinder having a locating diameter at the top and a mounting flange secured to the top of the vertically extending cylinder. The module also includes a horizontal mounting plate adapted to be mounted on the top wall of the section having a top surface and a number of holes, corresponding to the number of plunger canisters, extending vertically therethrough for matingly receiving the locating diameter of each of the plunger canisters.

Abstract: A plunger mechanism comprising a vertically extending cylindrical plunger canister having a bottom surface and including a plurality of service air conduits with each conduit having an inlet port communicating with the bottom surface. A plunger distribution plate below said plunger canister having a top surface and including a corresponding plurality of service air conduits which are to be connected to the plunger canister service air conduits with each plunger distribution plate conduit having an outlet port communicating with the top surface. At least one outlet port of the plurality of service air conduits in the plunger distribution plate which are to be connected to the plunger canister service air conduits being axially offset from the corresponding inlet port of the plunger canister. A transition plate intermediate the plunger canister and the plunger distribution plate having a bottom surface for engaging the top surface of the plunger distribution plate and a top surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for making a gradient index optical element having a precisely parabolic configuration of refractive index profile. After a concentration profile is imparted across a gel prepared by a sol-gel technique, the concentration profile is fixed. In this case, the treatment with a concentration profile-fixing solution is carried out at a temperature higher than that at which the treatment with a concentration profile-imparting solution is carried out, whereby the rate of fixing the concentration profile is so higher than that of imparting the concentration profile, so that any possible deformation of the concentration profile formed at the concentration profile-imparting step is reduced or inhibited.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing low sintering fine-particle multicomponent glass powder having a particle size of the primary particle in the nanometer range. The method utilizes microemulsion techniques with subsequent separation of the particles out of the emulsion and calcination for utilization as glass flow having a sintering temperature <900.degree. C. or in a glass flow, for generating thin transparent layers or for generating color decorations on glass, glass ceramic or ceramic substrates after adding a coloring pigment to the glass flow. The microemulsion for producing the nanoscale glass powder particles is generated from a nonionic ambiphilic emulsifier with a component of 10 to 15 percent by weight on the emulsion, from an oil phase having a portion of 50 to 70 percent by weight and a glass precursor-containing aqueous salt solution having a portion of up to 31.3 percent by weight with salt contents of up to 45 percent by weight.

Abstract: UV absorbing glass is prepared by mixing ultrafine colloidal cerium oxide with glass-forming substances during the fabrication of the glass. An aqueous colloidal dispersion containing 1-20 weight percent 10-20 nm cerium oxide particles, optionally including a binder, is admixed with silica sand, and the sand is dried, melted and cooled to give a relatively clear UV absorbing glass containing 0.3-2 weight percent cerium oxide.

Abstract: A glass with no stria form of defects induced therein is produced by a sol-gel technique. At a sol gelation step, the gelation temperature is maintained constant within the range of .+-.7.degree. C. with respect to the temperature of a sol as charged in a gelation vessel, and the sol is gelated at a constant colloidal particle diameter with no vibrations applied thereto.

Abstract: A gradient index optical element is disclosed which comprises a surface perpendicular to an optical axis, this surface having points of equal refractive index whose connection provides substantially elliptic lines. This gradient index optical element can be produced, for example, by first pouring a raw material sol into a vessel suited for preparing a rodlike base material comprising a surface perpendicular to its lengthwise direction, said surface having the shape of a rectangle, a rhombus or a polygon symmetrical with respect to its center of gravity, each as is, or having a rounded or elliptical corner subsequently converting the sol to a gel, then subjecting the gel to distribution providing treatment and finally drying and firing the distribution providing gel.

Abstract: Molded bodies of quartz glass have at least one surface area of transparent quartz glass, the exposed surfaces of which are smooth and which have a surface microroughness of less than 8 .mu.m. The base material has a chemical purity of at least 99.9% and a cristobalite content of no more than 1%; is gas-impermeable and opaque; and contains pores. At a wall thickness of 1 mm, the base material has a nearly uniform direct spectral transmission of less than 10% in the wavelength range of .lambda.=190-2,650 nm; and which has a density of at least 2.215 g/cm.sup.3. The transparent surface area is formed from base material by heating it to a temperature above 1,650.degree. C. The thickness of the transparent layer is at least 0.5 mm, and its direct spectral transmission in the wavelength range of .lambda.=6001-2,650 nm is at least 60% for a layer thickness of 1 mm.

Abstract: A self-lubricating ring assembly (10) for use in forming a finish portion (F) of a hollow formable glass parison (P), the neck ring assembly (10) having an opposed pair of part cylindrical metallic neck ring sections (22a, 22b) that can be opened and closed with respect to one another. The opening and closing of the neck ring sections is guided by a guide ring assembly (24) that is made up of a larger diameter flange member (26) and a smaller diameter hub member (28) that is coaxially and removably joined to the flange member (26). A peripheral portion of the flange member (26) is slidably received in a slot that is defined by opposed slot portions (30, 30b) of the neck ring sections (22a, 22b). The flange member (26) of the guide ring assembly (24) is formed of graphite, to eliminate the need for external lubrication of the neck ring assembly (10), and the hub member (28) is formed of a hardened metal alloy.

Abstract: Described is a process for the manufacture of glass substrates with improved long-term stability at raised temperatures, in which process a glass substrate is provided with a coating, this coating being prepared from a composition, which was obtained through hydrolysis and condensation of a compound that was dissolved in a solvent and belonged to at least one element from the group Si, Al, Ti and Zr and/or a suitable precondensate, optionally in combination with compounds, which are soluble in the reaction medium, of at least one element from the group of alkali metals, alkali earth metals, and boron. After the coating composition is deposited, the coating obtained thus is heat treated. The process is characterized in that the coating is not completely compacted.

Abstract: Evacuated microspheres, insulating materials constructed from such microspheres, and methods of manufacturing same provide insulation and reduce heat transfer through radiation, conduction and convection. Additionally, an infrared reflective coating is provided on a microsphere surface to reduce radiant heat transfer. A protective exterior coating is also provided to protect an exteriorly applied infrared reflective coating on such a microsphere. Furthermore, the spheroidal geometry of such microspheres restricts heat transfer to point-to-point conduction therebetween. Finally, evacuated microspheres further reduce through-heat transfer within a shell. One embodiment utilizes such evacuated microspheres in constructing an elastomeric roof coating which appreciably reduces cooling and air conditioning power costs for a building. An alternative embodiment utilizes such an elastomeric coating in constructing an exterior paint for a building.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical element which is a beam splitter. A first and a second prism, the second prism having a beam splitting film formed on the surface, are contacted together with the hydrolysis product of a metal or silicon alcoholate, thereby forming a bond of the hydrolysis product of the alcoholate between the first and second prism.

Abstract: A method for bonding silica containing materials uses a mixture of ultrasonically treated silica powder and a suspension liquid to provide a bonding material. Once applied to the bonding surfaces of silica containing components the mixture is dried and then heated. Upon cooling the mixture provides a solid bonding between the components. The bonding procedure minimizes the mount of localized heating required to bond the material and thereby prevents distortion of silica components as they are bonded.

Abstract: Optical waveguides are produced in laser densified Type VI porous gel-silica. A CO.sub.2 laser directly scans the substrate having a pore size of about 30 angstroms. Tracks having a width of about 50 microns are produced.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for encapsulating a preform of arbitrary size and shape for the purpose of manufacturing a body by means of hot isostatic pressing. The preform is encapsulated with glass using a sol gel technique. The glass initially forms a hard, porous layer. Heating the glass in the hot isostatic press results in the formation of a gas-impermeable capsule around the preform.

Abstract: A self-lubricating ring assembly (10) for use in forming a finish portion (F) of a hollow formable glass parison (P), the neck ring assembly (10) having an opposed pair of part cylindrical metallic neck ring sections (22a, 22b) that can be opened and closed with respect to one another. The opening and closing of the neck ring sections is guided by a guide ring assembly (24) that is made up of a larger diameter flange member (26) and a smaller diameter hub member (28) that is coaxially and removably joined to the flange member (26). A peripheral portion of the flange member (26) is slidably received in a slot that is defined by opposed slot portions (30, 30b) of the neck ring sections (22a, 22b). The flange member (26) of the guide ring assembly (24) is formed of graphite, to eliminate the need for external lubrication of the neck ring assembly (10), and the hub member (28) is formed of a hardened metal alloy.

Abstract: The high-purity, opaque quartz glass containing 3.times.10.sup.6 -9.times.10.sup.6 of closed cells having an average size of 20-40 .mu.m per 1 cm.sup.3, a ratio of closed cells having sizes of 100 .mu.m or more to the whole of cells being 1% or less, thereby showing 5% or less of linear transmittance for near infrared rays (.lambda.=900 nm) at a thickness of 1 mm is produced by compacting amorphous silica powder having an average particle size of 0.5-10 .mu.m, in which each of impurities selected from Li, Na, K, Fe, Ti and Al is 1 ppm or less, if any, and sintering the resultant green body at 1730.degree.-1850.degree. C.

Abstract: The disclosed method of making a glass body by a sol/gel process comprises electrochemically assisted release of the gel body from the mold in which the body was formed. More specifically, the method involves gelation of a sol in a mold that comprises a first conductor member, with a second conductor member also being in contact with the sol and/or gel, and causing the flow of a current between the first and second conductor members, with the first member being the cathode. In consequence of the current flow a substantially liquid lubricating layer that facilitates removal of the gel body from the melt exists at the cathode/gel interface.

Abstract: Sol-gel processing of a silica glass body is facilitated by rapid drying. The body, having been heated to a temperature of about 200.degree. C. in a hermetically sealed vessel, is vented while reducing temperature. Termination of drying coincides with reduction to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Heating a wet colloidal gel body in an autoclave above its 1-atmosphere boiling point, under rigorously defined conditions, avoids shrinkage during subsequent drying. As a consequence, drying rates may be increased, and handling care becomes less critical.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the production of essentially defect-free high purity fused silica glass articles, the method comprising the following steps: (a) forming a green body from silica particulates or a porous body of amorphous silica; (b) sintering said body in a chamber by raising the temperature of the chamber to above 1720.degree. C., while purging the chamber with helium or applying a vacuum to the chamber; and (c) consolidating the sintered body in a chamber by raising the temperature within the chamber to at least 1750.degree. C., introducing an inert gas into the chamber at a pressure less than about 6.9 MPa (1000 psig), and cooling the chamber while maintaining the pressurized atmosphere to a temperature at least below the annealing point of the glass. In the most preferred practice, a green body of silica particulates will be prepared via a sol-gel process.

Abstract: Synthetic quartz glass powder is produced by (a) hydrolyzing an alkoxysilane to form a gel, (b) finely dividing the gel and then drying, or drying the gel and then finely dividing, and (c) calcining the obtained powder, the powder being maintained under an atmosphere with an oxygen concentration of not less than 30 vol % during at least a part of the calcining period at a temperature of not lower than 1,000.degree. C.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a glass is provided, comprising converting a porous body to a multi-component glass, wherein a porous body containing at least one metal component in the form of a metal salt is immersed in a solution containing at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an acid, an ammonium salt and an alkylammonium salt to precipitate the metal salt as microcrystals in the pore. Also, a method for manufacturing a glass for use as a gradient index optical element is provided, comprising converting a porous body to a multi-component glass, wherein a porous body containing at least one metal component in the form of a metal salt is immersed in a solution containing a salt of a metal component different from the above-mentioned at least one component and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an acid and a salt to provide the metal components with concentration distributions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metal oxide film formed on a glass substrate by a sol-gel process. To make the metal oxide film minutely rough, at least two sols are respectively prepared from at least one compound selected from the group consisting of metal alkoxides and metal acetylacetonates, such that polymers of the sols have different average molecular weights. Then, the at least two sols are mixed with a solvent so as to prepare a coating solution. The coating solution is applied to the glass substrate so as to form thereon a sol film. The thus coated glass substrate is heated so as to transform the sol film into a gel film and to form thereon numerous micro-pits.

Abstract: A deflector plate support includes a support body having an integral frame-like construction and a first end portion and a second end portion each of which are connected to a perpendicularly disposed border that is connected to an inwardly extending wall disposed perpendicular to the border. Each end portion of the support body, each border, and each inwardly extending wall are joined to a base at a common end thereof to thereby define, in association with the support body, a slot for vertically or horizontally receiving, releasably retaining, and orientating the deflector plate such as to expose a front deflection surface or a plurality of front deflection surfaces of the deflection plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the synthesis of fluoride glass by the sol-gel method.The object of the invention is to synthesize an impurity-free fluoride glass.This object is achieved with the aid of a process having stages consisting of preparing a wet oxygenated gel from precursors containing all the cations constituting said fluoride glass, hydrolyzing said gel, drying said gel and in which the process is characterized in that it also comprises the stage consisting of treating said oxygenated gel by a fluorinating agent in the vapour phase, at a temperature below the glass crystallization point.This process more particularly makes it possible to produce fluoride glass for optical fibres.

Abstract: A device for bending glass sheets which includes a furnace for heating the glass, a conveyor, a bending station within which there is suspended, notably from a plate, an upper bending mold at least partly disposed inside the skirt of a peripheral suction box, and the lower face of which is covered with a covering in such a way that this covering is supported by an attachment device which can be removed and is not integral with the upper mold.

Abstract: A furnace has side walls and a bottom wall with a refractory lining. To permit mounting of ancillary equipment such as electrode refractory blocks are fitted to the bottom wall of the furnace. To mount each refractory block a hole is bored through the bottom wall from the exterior of the furnace with a large diameter in the outer part of the wall and a smaller diameter in the lining. The refractory block has a stepped construction to fit closely inside the bored holes. A central passageway through the refractory block has a removable plug at its inner end which may be displaced by insertion of an ancillary device such as an electrode.

Abstract: A shear mechanism for shearing discrete gobs from at least one runner of molten glass has a shear assembly which is displacable back and forth along a pair of guide rails. The assembly has at least one shear supported on an arm which has a bearing at one side which is operatively associated with one of the guide rails. The support bearing has a lower bearing surface which engages the bottom of the guide rail and an upper bearing surface which supports the top surface and the lower bearing surface can be displaced away from the guide rail by operating a release which is located on the top of the bearing.

Abstract: A system (10) for changing a cloth covering ring (12) in a glass sheet heating furnace (18) includes an apparatus (26) operable for removing and replacing the cloth ring, a cloth ring changing furnace section (28) that provides access by apparatus (26) into the furnace (18) and a sensor (46) in communication with a controller (50) to sense broken glass and position a shaping mold (16) in position for a cloth ring (12) change.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sintering furnace for the production of a quartz preform which can be used for carrying out dehydration, fluorine-addition and/or sintering of a porous quartz soot preform prepared by a flame hydrolysis method such as a VAD method or a OVD method, and in particular, to such a furnace in which joints in a long furnace muffle so long that fabricating it as open body is impossible can be maintained fully gas-tight, so that it is possible to prevent H.sub.2 O, O.sub.2 and other impurities in the air from entering the muffle from outside, and corrosive and poisonous gases in the muffle are prevented from leakage to outside the muffle.

Abstract: A floating mold changer carriage is movable between a shaping device for shaping a sheet of glass with at least one mold and a mold storage area spaced from the shaping device, for replacing the mold with a new mold. The carriage includes a main frame having a plurality of pallets mounted on a lower surface thereof and each having a flow passage with its one open end connected to fluid source. The pallet has a cylindrical portion on its lower surface and a hollow annular member of a resilient material disposed around the cylindrical portion. The annular member has an opening confronting the other open end of the flow passage. When a fluid or air is supplied from the fluid source via the flow passage into the annular members, the annular members are inflated to float the main frame off the floor. Continued supply of air develops a fluid or air layer between the floor and the annular members to lower the coefficient of friction therebetween, thus allowing the carriage to be moved easily.

Abstract: A plunger operating mechanism for forming parisons in a glassware forming machine comprises a piston and a positioning unit for determining the position of the plunger in its loading and invert positions, the positioning unit being held removable from the mechanism as a unit.

Abstract: The air lines for a plunger mechanism are permanently secured to a mainfold which is secured to the bottom of the section frame. To complete the air delivery system removable upper manifold having downwardly extending air tubes in interconnected with a lower manifold having elongated upwardly extending air passages. The upper removable manifold is releasable secured to the fixed upper manifold and the lower manifold is secured to the base plate which supports the plunger mechanism by a tool which extends through holes in the quik plate, section frame and removable upper manifold.

Abstract: A plurality of conduit segments contact on another which run vertically and transversely to the direction in which molten glass is channelled. Each segment includes at least one trough section and at least one cover section, an insulation of individual formed bodies, and an external casing. The segments are coupled together on support beams and may have removable insulation at joints to facilitate inspection.

Abstract: A takeout jaw for use in a bottle-forming machine is formed in a semicircular shape and contains a spring clip for holding immovably a piece of non-metallic contact material within a pocket in the body of the takeout jaw.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus for one or more molds on an IS or RIS machine for the production of hollow-glass articles has a cooling chamber below the or each mold subdivided into upper and lower parts at a horizontal planar point with the upper part being detachable from the lower part to allow replacement. The suction pipe can extend through the upper part and form a unit therewith. A valve plate can engage the intake opening of the chamber from its underside and can be displaced by a piston guided in a cylinder housing on both axial sides of that piston.

Abstract: An apertured dead plate insert fabricated of a contact material, preferably graphite, and a correspondingly apertured dead plate subplate together constitute a dead plate assembly which is used in the hot end process area of glass bottle manufacture. The assembly can be easily repaired by replacement of the contact material insert. Use of the dead plate assembly reduces damage to hot formed glass bottles and results in increased production rates. The dead plate subplate is a rigid plate with a planar depression having an area corresponding to the area of the insert defined on one face by mounting lugs and an area of increased height on the other face corresponding to the area of the depression so as to provide a heat sink for the subplate in order to keep the insert at a relatively constant temperature variant during passage of air therethrough.

Abstract: A molding machine having a plunger replacement apparatus is disclosed. Molding operation of the molding machine for a plunger requiring replacement is only discontinued, and the plunger requiring replacement is taken out to a plunger replacing position through a reciprocating mechanism. Moving yokes are locked by locking mechanisms to fixed yokes at the pressing and plunger replacing positions. The position of the plunger is always held constant during the process of replacement at the plunger replacing position and also when the plunger is returned to the pressing position. When the plunger requiring replacement is taken out in a plunger replacing position, molding operation for the molding machine is continued by using the remaining plungers, thereby minimizing possible drop in molding operation productivity and preventing undesirable changes in temperature distribution conditions.

Abstract: A multiple segment glass fiberizing spinner and method of making same provides a product of low cost and improved service life. The spinner comprises a plurality of, preferably four, segments of a cast alloy having a large number of small radially oriented apertures disposed about its periphery. Each segment is preferably investment cast. After casting, the segments may be trued if necessary by heating and forming. The segments are then weighed and same-weight segments are welded end-to-end to form a hoop or annulus. Next, a larger plurality of small bores are formed in the sidewall of the spinner. Finally, an optional bottom disc is secured to the segmented annulus, preferably by welding.

Abstract: The mechanism comprises a piston and cylinder assembly operable to move mould side portion supports between mould open and mould closed positions thereof. A check valve (72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82) is mounted in a passage (66) into the cylinder to allow fluid under pressure to enter the cylinder through the passage but to prevent exit of fluid through the passage. The check valve is mounted in a chamber (66f) defined partially by the end cap (60) and partially by a cover member (67) removably mounted on the top of the end cap (60). When the cover member (67) is removed from the end cap (60), the check valve can be removed.

Abstract: A glass face plate press is provided with a semi-automatic, plunger changing apparatus. The changing apparatus takes the form of a movable plunger supporting head and carriage that is mounted adjacent the press station for movement into and out of position to insert a new plunger on the plunger clamping mechanism of the press. The press has a receiving box into which a plunger support plate is inserted prior to clamping and locking of the plate and supported plunger to the press.

Abstract: A conduit for conducting molten glass in a glass making operation comprising an elongate superstructure, an elongate carriage, a plurality of refractory blocks assembled on the carriage to form a channel for conducting molten glass, and a plurality of rollers for supporting the carriage in the superstructure and allowing the carriage to be slid out of the superstructure for servicing. The conduit further comprises clamping members extending along the sides of the conduit roof, and support members on the superstructure which can be operated transversely inwardly to cause the clamping member to engage and support the roof so that the carriage can be removed from the superstructure independently of the roof.

Abstract: A support for an operating mechanism such as a takeout mechanism (10) of a glassware forming machine comprises a slideway (34) extending vertically above an operating position of the mechanism at a blow station of the machine, a carriage (40) mounted for vertical adjustment on the slideway, a seat (50) for the mechanism operating mechanism, and clamping means (62, 64, 70) operable to hold the operating mechanism in the seat. The seat (50) is in vertical alignment with the operating position.

Abstract: A gob distributor is disclosed wherein the displacement of the gob scoops is controlled by positioned data generated by a linear displacement transducer. The transducer has an elongated tube having a free end and a screw section at the other end of the tube. The screw section is secured into a mounting bracket aperture which is secured to the drive housing. The tube (and screw portion) passes freely through an enlarged bore in the housing and the tube passes through a movable sensing head and its free end is releasably secured by a spring clamp supported by the drive housing.

Abstract: A glass fiber forming assembly is described which permits rapid change of a production fiber glass bushing. The system includes a secondary bushing and means to heat it as well as a glass delivery bushing permanently connected to a forehearth. The production bushings are physically out of contact with the forehearth.

Abstract: A glass sheet shaping apparatus shapes a curved reinforced glass sheet by bending a glass sheet which has been heated by a heating furnace up to a softening point and thereafter cooling the bent glass sheet with a cooling medium and imparting a prescribed stress to the glass sheet. The glass sheet is bent by upper and lower mold members fixed to respective common plates which are interconnected by positioning rods. The unit assembly comprising these upper and lower mold members and common plates is carried on a carrier and moved by a suitable displacing device onto a lower surface plate located in a frame assembly for replacing the existing unit assembly.

Abstract: A bushing assembly is described which involves two fiber glass bushings, one being a production bushing and the other a permanent bushing attached to a fiber glass forehearth. Restricted flow channels are provided in the upper bushing to flow small quantities of glass into the production bushing. Means are provided to electrically isolate one bushing from the other, and means are provided to cool the flow channels from the upper bushing to the lower bushing.

Abstract: A takeout jaw .Iadd.assembly .Iaddend.for use in a bottle-forming machine .[.is formed in a semicircular shape and.]. contains a spring clip for holding immovably .[.a piece of.]. .Iadd.an arcuate, .Iaddend.non-metallic .[.contact material.]. .Iadd.takeout jaw insert .Iaddend.within .[.a.]. .Iadd.an arcuate .Iaddend.pocket in the body of the takeout jaw.